format_quote Originally Posted by
Woodrow
This is most likely only an Issue with our Urdu speaking members.
However as an old man, I would be embarrassed at being called peer by an Urdu speaker as it is a title I am not worthy of in the context of Urdu. Yet, I would be pleased at being considered a peer by an English speaker.
My knowledge of Urdu is very limited. I do understand in it's basic meaning peer carries the meaning of "old man" but the connotation it carries places a person on an equal basis with Muhammad(PBUH) which I feel is demeaning the Prophet(PBUH). Just my opinion astagfirullah
Assalamu'alaikum, uncle.
Not every old man can be called "peer" or "shaykh". Only the "old man of the community" who can be called like this although sometime this "old man" is young enough.
If we notice, in certain communities there are persons who respected by the community and always give advice and guidance for the people of the community. This is the "old man of the community", who not always hold position as the community leader.
"Peer Sahib" is title given by Pakistani people to local Sufi ulama (maybe not always Sufi). "Sahib" itself means "master". It's originally from Arabic. Actually, the term "Sahib" and not "Peer" which has conotation to Rasulullah (saw). Maybe you ever heard people call Rasulullah (saw) as "Sahibul Qur'ana" (master of Qur'an),
But now maybe the term "Sahib' has been 'demeaned'. From what I've seen (in the web) now it's common for Pakistani to call "Sahib" to anyone. Not only to ulama, but Pakistani motorcycle riders who doing crazy on the streets are called "Sahib" too by their fans.